New $30m social and affordable housing project for Werribee
Werribee, 19 April 2021 - MEDIA RELEASE
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Last week, Victorian Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne joined leading social housing provider Unison to turn the first sod and celebrate the start of construction of a $30 million new social and affordable housing development in Werribee.
This project, which will deliver 74 new dwellings for vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians, is particularly significant for the City of Wyndham given its growing housing affordability crisis and lack of social housing.
The Victorian Government supported Unison’s project based on its proven track record of delivering high-quality projects and successfully operating them within the community, with great outcomes for renters.
Last month, Unison won two Awards in the 2020 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria Awards, including the overall Judges' Award Metropolitan Melbourne, for its 54-unit social housing development in Footscray.
Unison said it was committed to building a safe, modern and affordable housing project for the people of Werribee and for those who need it most in surrounding areas.
Unison CEO James King welcomed the partnership with the Victorian Government in helping fund this important project for the City of Wyndham.
"This new development has been designed with a focus on renters’ wellbeing, safety and quality of life. Unison has high standards and build places that residents can be proud to live in," Mr King said.
"We want people who live in our buildings to feel safe, welcome and connected to their community," he added.
Unison believes the provision of new social and affordable housing in the municipality will deliver a range of positive social and economic benefits to the local community.
Our place management approach seeks to create the conditions for renters to achieve stability and a sense of belonging in the broader community. This means working with the community to facilitate good interactions and participation.
The $30 million building will include community spaces, solar panels and modern facilities. Its location, in the heart of Werribee, means residents will have access to nearby education facilities, employment opportunities, support services and shopping precincts.
Once complete, the building will also house onsite support services which will facilitate timely and personalised support to renters, to assist them with their tenancy and foster community inclusion.
This major project was in great part funded by the Victorian Government’s Building Works stimulus program, which supports shovel-ready housing projects, to help address the housing affordability crisis in Victoria while creating new jobs.
The balance of the project’s costs is funded by Unison. As a not-for-profit organisation, Unison reinvests operating surplus back into our services, our properties and our communities, and importantly the development of much-needed affordable housing.
The development is due for completion mid-2022.
> Download the Media Release (PDF 115kb): MEDIA RELEASE_New $30m social and affordable housing project for Werribee.pdf
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